One of the boats which ferries visitors across the waters to Lochleven Castle now proudly bears the name “Mary’s Spirit” thanks to local schoolgirl Rosie Cormack. Earlier this year the 10-year-old won a competition in which Kinross Primary School pupils were invited to come up with a name for the vessel. There were lots of excellent entries, but Rosie’s was the winner because it captured the romance of the castle and its links to Mary, Queen of Scots. Now the name has been painted on the side of the boat and a little plaque has been fixed inside which commemorates the competition – and its winner, who was nine at the time.

Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell, visited the former Kirk and castle to officially unveil banners encouraging people to become part of the ambitious heritage project. The Minister said: “Pitsligo Castle was once one of the finest residences in the north-east and the campaign to consolidate this monument is intended to give students and visitors greater access and a better understanding of this impressive ruin and its fascinating story. This partnered with the proposals for the former Parish Kirk shall create a facility which can assist in regenerating the economy in this part of Aberdeenshire. “The Pitsligo Castle Trust and the Friends of Pitsligo Castle are doing a great job of generating interest and have already secured funding for the first phase of work from Historic Scotland and I am delighted to support them in their work."

There’s a special chance for visitors to discover more about Leith’s ancient links with the sea when Trinity House maritime museum opens its doors for free on Saturday, 24th October. This lovely Georgian Mansion is packed with around 1,000 fascinating objects and works of art from portraits by the great Sir Henry Raeburn to secret wartime charts used by British merchant seamen. Historic Scotland, which cares for the museum, is carrying out a major conservation programme which involves cleaning, repairing and researching many of the objects in the collection.

Scotland’s legacy of post-war architecture is to be the focus of a conference in November hosted by Historic Scotland. The agency is opening the debate on protecting and celebrating the variety and innovative techniques used to create striking architecture since 1945. Dr Deborah Mays, Historic Scotland Head of Listing and organiser of the conference said: “After the war, a notably different approach was seen in designing and constructing buildings, encompassing a new hope and vision for the future. “While many people still view listed buildings as having to be traditionally crafted, the number of outstanding examples of architecture and design that remain need to be considered as an important part of our heritage and just as revealing of our past as older buildings. This conference will bring together people from across the spectrum to look at how we value modern architecture as part of the Scottish landscape and we are very much looking forward to hearing the range of views on what has been a hotly contested subject.”

The Orkney Venus, the earliest human figure ever found in Scotland, is going on temporary display at Edinburgh Castle. Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell announced that the carving will be on show for a fortnight. Children will be given free entry to the castle for the duration of the exhibition from 19 October to 1 November. Kids are being encouraged to say the magic word when they arrive – ‘Orkney!’ to generate interest in the island. MSP Michael Russell said: “It’s great that people will have the chance to see this remarkable historical find for themselves, and I’m particularly delighted to be able to announce that children will be able to get into Edinburgh Castle for free while the exhibition is on.”